National Apprenticeship Week

Last year in England, more than a quarter of a million workplaces took on an apprentice. An apprenticeship gives you an opportunity to earn a competitive salary whilst your training is funded. Consider this a way of gaining hands-on experience in the real world of work. If you want to kick-start your career, this is a great place to start.

The 5th-9th March is National Apprenticeship Week. The theme for the #NAW2018 is ‘Apprenticeships Work’. Showcasing how apprenticeships work for individuals, employers and the community. To celebrate this, we have put together a mini “Meet the QED Apprentices” article.

Meet Joel for National Apprenticeship Week

Why an apprenticeship rather than university?

After college, the entire University process was too soon for me and I hadn’t decided what I wanted to do. I thought it was too early to commit 3-4 years at a cost of £9,250 per year. From attending open days and talking to University students, I decided to take a different route. I always learn better physically and actively. So, an apprenticeship and real-life work experience was always more appealing to me.

Why an apprenticeship worked for me

One reason why my apprenticeship worked for me is because I gained real work experience and new knowledge that you may possibly not achieve through just simply reading a book. Not only do you kick-start your career in your field of interest, but you also achieve a qualification whilst being paid for learning. Also, apprenticeships really help you mature as an individual, which I personally noticed just a few months in. There are many different reasons why apprenticeships work, but these are just a few that stand out for me.

What are your plans for the future?

I completed my Level 3 apprenticeship as of September 2017 and Quality Essential Distribution has truly kick-started my career in business! For now, I am not sure what the future has to hold but I guarantee it will be exciting.

Meet Olivia for National Apprenticeship Week

Why an apprenticeship rather than university?

As a person who thinks ahead into the future, I worried a lot about the cost of University. Surely you could achieve your dream job through an alternate route? So, after completing my A-Levels, I took a risk and turned down all my University offers. By January 2017, I was being paid to learn and kick-start my career in Marketing alongside a bunch of fantastic people! I love the way different generations of individuals in the work place bring about so many creative ideas! Not only do you learn tonnes from the experienced professionals, but they learn from you too.

Why an apprenticeship worked for me

I truly believe the best part of my apprenticeship is the personal development. I am so much more confident than I used to be. Understanding how to work as a team and by myself has challenged and improved my independency. My apprenticeship worked for me as I am learning first-hand how to manage myself and my time effectively in a business environment. Not only am I learning how to market QED online, but I am learning how to be the best version of myself.

What are your plans for the future?

I completed my Level 3 Digital Marketing Apprenticeship in January 2018. Although the future is unpredictable, I would like to continue my education to Degree Level via the Digital Marketer Degree Apprenticeship. I also plan to continue my personal blogging and YouTube videos in my spare time.

Meet Jack for National Apprenticeship Week

Why an apprenticeship rather than university?

I chose an apprenticeship over university because it allows me to expedite my career and earn whilst I learn. Being a practical person, I learn best by getting stuck in. An apprenticeship offers and rewards practical learning in the workplace which suited me to a T and has set me up with plenty of experience that I can use to take my career to the next stage.

Why an apprenticeship worked for me

The reason a degree apprenticeship works for me is because it offers the chance to work and learn simultaneously, earning money whilst applying classroom knowledge within an industry. This will allow me to build up the necessary experience and practical skills I’ll need post-graduation. With an apprenticeship I can begin a career early and be educated to degree level; it’s the best of both worlds!

What are your plans for the future?

As of September, I will be a Digital and Technology Solutions Degree Apprentice. I don’t know where my career will take me post-apprenticeship, but I know it is bright and I’m eager to achieve all I can. In my spare time, I will continue to record, produce and mix music… I do rather enjoy cooking too!

Don’t Rush!

If you find you are unsure about University, consider an apprenticeship as an alternative route. There are no boundaries on how far you take your level of education as many degree apprenticeships have launched this year! So, don’t rush into choosing or deciding your future just yet. Weigh up the pros and cons of both options. It may surprise you how much there is on offer!